Page 68 of Scarred Hearts

“I’m sorry we weren’t able to discuss it,” I apologized. “But I’m glad we could now.”

Patting my chest gently, she murmured, “I haven’t broken down about this since right after I found out.”

Pushing up from the porch, I stood, then reached my hand down, helping her up. Placing my hands on her hips, I pressed my lips to her forehead, then peered into her eyes. “Number one, I’m truly sorry for making you feel controlled about the fight, but I’m not sorry for wanting to protect you.”

She swallowed hard, averting her gaze.

Putting my fingers under her chin, I forced her eyes back to mine. “Number two, I want you to fucking annihilate whoever you fight.” The corners of her lips twisted up ever so slightly as I continued, “Fight with everything in you and send them away in a body bag. My family and I will protect you.”

“So, you’re okay with me fighting a guy?”

“I never will be,” I admitted, and her smile diminished. “But not because I don’t think you’re tough enough. I was just as mad when Nadia hit you.” I brushed a strand of hair behind her shoulder. “I’m not used to being with someone so independent and like my family, but I’m surrounded by it, and I want Naya to grow up having women like that as her example.”

“So, you’re with me then?” Tucking her bottom lip between her teeth, she twisted back and forth.

Closing the gap between us., I whispered, “Stay with me tonight. You don’t have to go through anything else alone… ever.”

16

TRAINING DAY

GIOVANNA

“Did they hear anything outside?” I asked Tyler as he entered his bedroom.

“No,” he replied, shutting and locking the door. Coming to a stop in front of me, he wrapped his arms around my waist. “Come here.” He pulled me against him, pressing his lips to mine.

The tension I felt moments ago melted away with his touch. The way he embraced me, mixed with our passionate kiss, sent shivers up and down my spine. I loved everything about the way he handled me. One minute he was gentle, the next, he had me screaming his name. He broke the kiss, lifting a hand to my cheek and caressing me as he ran his thumb around in a circle on my soft skin.

“Is it weird being in my room?” he asked, searching my eyes for any sign of awkwardness. He was always so considerate.

“Not at all, as long as you’re okay with this?” I trailed my fingers down his shirt buttons, unbuttoning each one.

Watching me intently, he nodded. “More than okay.”

His shirt fell open, revealing the sculpted muscles underneath. Leaning in to kiss his chest, I felt his heartbeat quicken beneath my lips. He let out a low growl, his hands sliding down my back and pulling me closer. Our bodies pressed together, allowing me to feel his hardening cock restricted by his slacks.

I tilted my head up to capture his lips in another searing kiss, our breaths blending together in intense desire. Moving toward the bed without peeling ourselves away from one another, our hands explored every inch of exposed skin. We tore one another’s clothes off, leaving them in puddles on the floor.

He leaned me back on the bed, situating himself between my legs and running his fingers along my inner thighs. I arched my back, silently pleading for him to enter me. He knew he was driving me crazy, and he relished it.

Looking down at me with a satisfied grin, he teased my entrance with just the tips of his fingers. “Is this what you want, baby?” he asked, and I nodded, my bottom lip pinned between my teeth. “I love watching your stomach roll as I tease you, so it’s a shame I have to stop.”

My entire body fell limp as he pulled his hand away. “Damnit,” I whined, “don’t be mean tonight.”

“You know how I like to be addressed,” he collapsed forward, his palms pressing to the bed on either side of my head, “and I suggest you not be a brat tonight.”

“Oh, Ty,” I sighed with a smile, “you know saying that shit will only make me act up.” Rolling on my side, I got on my knees next to him. “And if?—”

He grabbed my wrist and pinned me face down on the mattress. It all happened so quickly that I didn’t even have time to process how I ended up in this position. In one swift motion, he smacked the back of my thighs. “Spread,” he commanded.

Shit, I loved it when he was in control, but I couldn’t just give in without at least a little resistance. I shook my head playfully as he leaned over me, biting into my shoulder and growling with lust. “Spread your legs,” he commanded.

His words made me whimper, feeling vulnerable and turned on at the same time. He took advantage of my weakness and forcefully pushed my legs apart. A stinging sensation rippled through my core as he smacked my pussy with his hand, already wet from his touch and his words, I couldn’t help but moan in pleasure.

“You like that?” he asked, his lips next to my ear.

“Yes, s?—”

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